In Milwaukee, Don Walker reported MillerCoors, the Bucks and the BMO Harris Bradley Center yesterday “announced a 10-year sponsorship renewal that keeps the brewer as the team's exclusive beer sponsor.” MillerCoors and the old Miller Brewing Co. have “had a relationship with the Bucks dating back to 1968.” Coors Light and Miller Lite are “expected to be the major players in the deal.” Coors Light will be “at the center of external marketing efforts in support of the Bucks,” while Miller Lite will be the “focus for in-arena advertising at the BMO Harris Bradley Center” (JSONLINE.com, 10/8).
DRAWING IRE: In London, George Caulkin notes EPL club Newcastle United has been “criticised by supporters and politicians" after the club reportedly agreed to a shirt-sponsorship deal with short-term loans company Wonga. Ian Lavery, the Labour Member of Parliament for Wansbeck, Northumberland, and a season-ticket holder, said, “Newcastle United will be sponsored by the money of deprived people up and down the country" (LONDON TIMES, 10/9).
PROFITS ICED OVER? The GLOBE & MAIL’s Bertrand Marotte noted the NHL lockout’s “potential impact on business is likely to be top of mind when Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. reports first-quarter earnings” today. Bauer President & CEO Kevin Davis is expected to “reassure investors that the lockout will have minimal impact on the bottom line because sales to NHL players actually represent a small part of revenues.” Bauer also “has an ambitious game plan to expand its presence in lacrosse" (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/7).
REV IT UP: IndyCar and NASCAR team Owner Roger Penske on Sunday said that his “priority is securing sponsorship for a third IndyCar entry.” The AP’s Jenna Fryer noted options have “already been picked up" for drivers Will Power and Helio Castroneves. Penske said, "I am either going to have one or I am not, and I don't know at this point" (AP, 10/7).
